### 2026 FIFA World Cup: Detailed Fixtures and Schedule
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest and most anticipated sporting event in history, with over 44 million tickets sold worldwide. The tournament will take place in eight countries across North America, from March 17th to November 19th, 2026.
#### **Host Nations**
The host nations for the 2026 World Cup are:
- **USA**
- **Canada**
- **Mexico**
- **Jamaica**
- **Costa Rica**
- **Panama**
- **Cuba**
- **Belize**
These nations have come together to host this global celebration of football, ensuring that fans from around the world can enjoy the tournament in their own backyards.
#### **Group Stage**
The Group Stage is divided into four groups (A, B, C, D) each containing four teams. Each group match consists of two matches per day, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage. Here's a brief overview of the schedule:
| Date | Group | Match |
|------|-------|--------|
| March 18th | A | USA vs Mexico |
| March 20th | A | Jamaica vs Costa Rica |
| March 22nd | A | Panama vs Cuba |
| March 24th | B | Canada vs Jamaica |
| March 26th | B | Mexico vs Panama |
| March 28th | B | Cuba vs USA |
| March 30th | C | Belize vs Mexico |
| April 1st | C | USA vs Belize |
| April 3rd | C | Panama vs Canada |
| April 5th | D | Jamaica vs Panama |
| April 7th | D | Mexico vs Belize |
| April 9th | D | Cuba vs Canada |
Each team plays against every other team in its group exactly once during the Group Stage. The first-place finisher in each group advances directly to the knockout stage, while the second-place finisher plays another game against the third-place finisher to determine who enters the knockout stage as the fourth team.
#### **Knockout Stage**
The Knockout Stage features sixteen teams, divided into four quarters, where each quarter has two rounds of play:
1. **Quarter-finals:** Four matches on consecutive days.
- Round 1: Matches played on April 12th and 13th.
- Round 2: Matches played on April 14th and 15th.
2. **Semi-finals:** Two matches on consecutive days.
- Round 1: Matches played on April 16th and 17th.
- Round 2: Matches played on April 18th and 19th.
3. **Finals:** One match on May 22nd.
The winners of the final match will be crowned the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions.
#### **Additional Information**
- **Stadiums:** Over 30 stadiums will host matches, including the newly constructed Allianz Field in Orlando, Florida, which will serve as the home venue for the final.
- **Referees:** International referees will officiate all matches, ensuring fairness and professionalism.
- **Coverage:** The tournament will be broadcasted globally, providing fans with access to live streaming and highlights through various platforms.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a thrilling experience for football enthusiasts around the world, showcasing the best players and teams from different parts of the globe. With its unique hosting format and ambitious goals, this tournament is sure to leave a lasting impression on sports history.